Artist Ted Ellis explores his digital side

HOUSTON - Jan. 18, 2016 - PRLog -- Nationally recognized artist Ted Ellis (http://www.tellisart.com) continues to hone his craft, most recently in the digital space.   The self-taught realism and impressionism painter turned a simple Christmas gift - his Samsung Galaxy Note 5 - into a new medium for artistic expression.  Ellis who defines his purpose as ‘educating through my art,” embraces the digital medium as another way to tell the story of today’s icons, be they in music, the arts, civil rights or politics.

Following is a Q&A with Ellis that outlines how he came to embrace the digital medium, why it will become part of his creative lexicon and how he can educate others through the visual arts.

Why did you decide to try making art digitally?
I decided to that I needed a new phone, we went to Best Buy and it was the phone that was recommended. The sales rep began to show me all the features and when he showed me how I could take notes and the stylus was incorporated in the phone, that's when my mind had an "AHA" moment

How long did it take you to achieve proficiency in your digital art?

Almost as soon as I started using it, it was so organic, as if I had been doing it for years. I'm just scratching the surface; I can actually say I'm even getting better!

How do you choose your subjects?

First, I thought it would be ideal for portrait drawings, so I did random sketches. Then I thought... let me really see how good I am and I began to sketch celebrities and post them on Facebook. My friends began to respond and comment on the likeness. They did not believe that I did the work digitally, and so quickly.

What do you like about the digital medium?

It is so easy to use!!! I'm not a techie but I'm addicted. It is efficient and right in my pocket. And what even better, I can share it through social media immediately.  This technology is so responsive; it is my new BFF!!! How about that!

How is this technology differenct from painting a subject?

I don't have to pull out all the pencils, pens and paints. I can save my images easily and make corrections effortlessly. And, I'm even more productive.

How will this impact the way you make art going forward?

Just like I need food and water, I need my Samsung Galaxy Note 5. I've already begun an art project incorporating, technology, art, history, and education. The 21st century is now. I'm embracing it with open arms and for an old school guy this is pretty amazing. Science and technology advances creativity!!!!

What features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 make it so appealing to create art this way?
The stylus and the screen size are ideal.  The stylus has the sensitivity of a pencil or pen and the surface is ideal for drawing.

Has anyone at Samsung seen your work using the Note 5?

No, not yet...but imagine to their surprise when they see what I've captured artistically with a phone. Mind you, this is no ordinary phone.

What's next for you using the digital medium?

I will continue to sketch daily, master the functionality and push the technology further.  I want to explore making the art form multi-media using the phones recording capabilities.

Is there a way to incorporate the digital art with painting?
Yes, you can actually use it as a reference for painting or you can use the color selection provided to keep it 100 percent digital.

About Ted Ellis

Ellis grew up and was educated in New Orleans, a city known for its rich African-American heritage history; a city full of style, and artistic exuberance. This backdrop inspired Ellis to capture the essence of the subjects of his childhood in the glory of their rich cultural heritage. Extremely dedicated to his craft, this artist draws on a style that was born in his childhood from impressions of his native city. Ellis is self-taught and boldly blends realism and impressionism in his work, evoking nostalgia and inspiration. It's not folk art, but "Tedism", his own unique style of art. The art of this man both reveres and celebrates the traditional values of his culture. African-American culture  and lifestyle is a vital part of the tapestry of American history. Ted Ellis captures that lifestyle on canvas, the man, lives the life he paints about. He is cementing himself in history as one of those Famous African-American artists you so often read about.